Verbal Analysis

The 'Half N Half' tuning, as its name suggests, ingeniously splits the guitar into two distinct three-string sections. Born from an exploration of Drop D and All Fourths tunings, this setup truly feels like playing two mini-guitars in tandem. The creator describes it as being "really convenient to play complex rhythms," and this rings true. The separation of the lower, darker voicings from the brighter, higher register allows for a rich tapestry of sound. It invites players to think compositionally, utilizing the independent sonic characteristics of each half, making it ideal for creating intricate textures, counter-melodies, or layered power chords. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation and offers a unique sonic palette for those looking to break away from conventional tunings.

Technical Analysis

This tuning (D2 A2 D3 G3 C4 G4) deviates significantly from standard E (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), creating a distinct open sound.

String Deviations from Standard E:

• Low E string (6th) is tuned down two semitones to D2.
• A string (5th) remains at A2.
• D string (4th) remains at D3.
• G string (3rd) remains at G3.
• B string (2nd) is tuned up one semitone to C4.
• High E string (1st) is tuned up three semitones to G4.

Open Chords and Playability:

The open tuning forms a D2 A2 D3 G3 C4 G4 voicing. While complex when viewed as a single chord (it's effectively a Dsus2 with an added G and C, or Dsus2(add4, add11)), its strength lies in the two independent halves as highlighted by the tuning's name:

• Lower Half (Strings 6, 5, 4): D2 A2 D3
  This forms a powerful D5 chord (or Dsus2) with a resonant low end. This section is reminiscent of Drop D, providing easy access to root-five power chords by simply barring across these three strings. Sliding these shapes up and down the neck will yield clear, strong power chords (e.g., 0-0-0 for D5, 3-3-3 for F5, 5-5-5 for G5).
• Upper Half (Strings 3, 2, 1): G3 C4 G4
  This section forms a G5 chord (or Gsus2). Similar to the lower half, barring across these three strings allows for easy access to G5-shaped power chords. For instance, 0-0-0 on these strings gives G5, 2-2-2 gives A5, 5-5-5 gives C5. The interval between the 3rd and 2nd string (G to C) is a perfect fourth, and between 2nd and 1st string (C to G) is a perfect fifth.

The 'Half N Half' structure encourages innovative playing styles. You can strum the entire open tuning for a full, albeit somewhat open/suspended, sound. More practically, you can:

• Play a riff on the lower D5-focused strings while holding a drone or melody on the upper G5-focused strings.
• Use the lower strings for heavy, driving rhythms and the upper strings for bright, chiming arpeggios or melodies.
• Explore unique two-part harmony or counterpoint by utilizing the distinct tonal centers of D and G provided by the open strings.

The perfect fourth interval between the 3rd (G) and 2nd (C) strings on the upper half of the tuning also aligns with the 'all fourths' exploration mentioned in the description, making scales and melodic patterns on these strings potentially feel different and intuitive for players accustomed to such intervals.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Half N Half

To achieve the Half N Half tuning (D2 A2 D3 G3 C4 G4), follow these instructions for each string, starting from the thickest (6th string) to the thinnest (1st string). The movements are relative to standard E tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4).

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
  Current note: D2
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
  Current note: A2
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
  Current note: D3
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
  Current note: G3
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
  Current note: C4
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones from E4 to G4.
  Current note: G4

Remember to tune carefully and check intonation after making significant changes to string tension. All string movements are within a safe range for standard guitar strings, though strings that are tuned up should always be monitored. If you exceed 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is often advised for optimal playability and string longevity.